Partition structure



Aug. 15, 1939. s. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed March 1. 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR (wag e f4 #1115 BY ATA'QE Aug. 15, 1939. G. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed March 1, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR fiea ge 1V. 1%1/5 BY AT RNEY Aug. 15, 1939. G. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed March 1, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR fi'dlj M Mil/s BY ATTQQE/ 3 15, 1939- G. M. MILLS 2,169,274

PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed March 1, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I l I l Z15 Z65 Z70 Z72 lNVENTOR ew e 1% Mills Patented Aug. 15, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PARTITION STRUCTURE of Ohio Application March 1, 1937, Serial No. 128,527

8 Claims.

This invention relates to partition structures and more particularly to a partition built up from preformed interchangeable panel units and to a novel base and supporting structure therefor.

In a partition of the type to which this invention relates, it is desirable that the preformed panel units be supported in such a manner that they are firmly and rigidly held in place and can be easily erected, adjusted to the desired level and removed and replaced without necessitating disassembly of the entire partition. The partition should also be constructed to permit the quick and easy introduction of service lines, such as water and gas pipes, electric light and power conduits, telephone, buzzer, signal wires and the like,

' and also permit ready access to such lines.

According to the present invention, a partition structure is provided which is built up from a plurality of preformed metallic panel units which can be interchangeably connected. The

' panel units are constructed of spaced metal sheets supported by structural frame members and the panel units areconnected at their upright adjacent edges by detachable connecting members to form a hollow post construction.

Suitable covers may be provided for the space between the adjacent ends of the panel units and base covers or mop boards extend along the lower edges of the panel edges and span the space be tween the panel units and the floor.

The lower portion of the partition is so formed that a suitable and accessible conduit raceway is provided adjacent the base of the partition for the reception of service lines. The edges of the panel units are recessed to provide a space for vertically extending service lines when the units are in partition-forming position. A decorative cornice may extend along and cover the upper edges of the panel units and space may be provided within the cornice for additional service lines. The several spaces for service lines may be made to communicate with one another, thus ermitting the lines to be run continuously throughout the partition.

An object of the invention is the provision of preformed partition structure constructed of relatively simple and easily formed interchangeable units which are adapted to be assembled quickly and easily to form a sturdy attractive Q partition capable of being easily readjusted, modified or replaced without damage to the partition or the building in which it is installed,

Another object of the invention is the provision of a partition of the type described having con 5 venient accommodation for service lines in one or more readily accessible portions of the partition.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a partition structure formed from prefabricated panel units which are securely and evenly maintained in wall-forming position when the partition is erected and which units can quickly and easily be removed for repair or replacement without disassembling the entire partition.

Another object of the invention is the provision of partition structure which is admirably adapted for the reception of air conditioning conduits and apparatus.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following pa icular description and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings.

Although the novel features which are believed to chaarcteristic of this invention will be part ularly pointed out in the claims appended l to, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a 25 part thereof, in which:

Fig. l is a view in elevation showing a partition structure embodying the present invention;

'g. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing n'izontal section taken along the line '22 30 i Fig. 1, illustrating the construction where the artition abuts the wall surface;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary View showing a horizontal section taken along the line 35 of Fig. 1, illustrating a portion of a panel 35 "t and the adjacent door frame;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional View taken along the line 44 of Fig. i, illustrating the interior construction of an opaque, panel unit;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing the details of the base construction at the junction of two panel units, various portions of the structure being broken away to show the interior construction; 45

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view illustrating the base clip and base cover construction connected to a plaster partition;

Fig, 7 an enlarged fragmentary perspective View showing the floor connection at a door jamb;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 5 only showing another form of base construction suitable for use with the panel units shown in Figs. 1 to '7;

Fig. 9 is a. transverse vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 1G is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing a portion of the second form of base construction.

Referring now particularly to Fig. l, the partition structure may be constituted by a plurality of preformed, ii'iterchangeable panel and door units 5, 2, and 5. Several units may be suitably supported on the floor of a building and connected together at their edges in a manner which be pointed out more fully hereinafter, and space between the edges closed by'a suitable cap A continuous base l may extend along all of the panel units, except the door unit and a ice 8 may extend throughout the length of the partition. The space between the cornice and the ceiling may be fllled a ceiling filler El, an the space between the end panel and the abutting wall filled by a side or wall filler Iii. For the purposes of illustration, various types panel units are shown; the panel unit l being to med as a continuous opaque panel; the unit 3 being constituted'by an opaque portion l2 and a glazed transom it; the unit 2 including an opaque portion a portion l5, a transom bar I6 a transol i ll; the door unit 5 may include a door frame 53 having a door 29 hinged therein.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 4, the panel unit may be constituted by a pair of spaced, parallel, metallic panel sheets I! secured to a lower structural or frame member 3? having depending flanges 32 provided with an angular shoulder constituted by portions 33 and 3d, and to an upper structural or frame member 35 35 formed with a flange 35 and angular shoulder p5 tions and 38. Referring to Fig. 2, the panel ets i l are also joined to vertical end or frame ..-bers having flanges A l, the vertical edges each panel sheet ll being provided with an urned flange 52, a shoulder portion 53 and an offset portion ierably, a pair of sheets of packing or ting material is disposed in the seats cons tuted betwe n the panel sheets ll and the 'ioers 3i, 35 and id. The insulating struts 35 having flange portions L to abut the inner surfaces of the sheet e5, prongs ll extending from the flanges it into the members 39 and having their ends 38 bent over to lock the sheets 39 to the horizontal members 1-5.

All of the panel units may be supported on the floor of the building by a base construction, as shown detail in Figs. l and 5, to which referce now made. A base channel 9%, having ges El, rests upon the floor or other supportsurface, and plurality of pressure pads or 2 are disposed on the channel 5 at spaced preferably adjacent the ends of the panel Supported by each pressure pad 92 is an upright leveling screw 93 supporting a U-shaped "d which is positioned on the screw 98 by a l preferably having a scalloped and a lock wheel 96 which may be of similar form. The leg member 3 has side portions 91 extending upwardly and having at their upper ends offset portions 98 which may be suitably secured to the flanges 32 of the structural member l, by welding, thereby to support the panel.

A base clip N has a portion lill extending along the flange ill of the base channel S3, and is provided with an offset hook portion 582 adapted to engage over the flange ill. The bottom edge of the clip ice is turned upwardlyto provide a hook portion 553. Adjacent the upper end, the clip E90 (Fig. 5) is provided with a cut-out portion lild and a communicating slot N5 of less width, and the adjacent portion of the panel sheet 3% is formed with a pair of clips tilt adapted to be inserted through the opening Ill-l and moved into engagement with the portions of the clip Hi8 adjacent the slot 505, The clip we (Fig. 4) is formed with an offset clip portion iil'l, and a base cover Hi8 has a flange its adapted to engage the clip portion H3! and a doubly rebent flange Hi3 adapted to engage the clip portion E63 adjacent the floor.

Adjacent panel units may be secured together by a clip construction, shown detail in Figs. 2 and 5, to which reference now is made. 'A planar clip member H5, preferably blanked from sheet or plate material, is provided with notches H6 and hook portion Ill. The clip member H5 is adapted to receive the flanges 42 of the panel sheets il in the notches M6, to thus prevent separation of adjacent panel units longitudinally of the partition.

A cooperating planar clip member H9, also preferably blanked of sheet material, is provided with laterally extending flanges at its corners forming a'pair of hook portions l2l. The clip member H9 is inserted between adjacent panel units, and forced down into engagement with the first clip member 2 E5, the side edges abutting the flanges 62 opposite the hook portions I ll and the flanges IZl engaging the shoulder portions 44. The clip member E E9 assists the clip member H5 in preventing lateral separation of the panel units, and a suflicient number of similar pairs of clip members is provided to prevent twisting or displacement of the panel units to provide a rigid partititlon structure. Preferably, the clip members I it and H9 are provided'with perforations H8 and I22, respectively, for permitting wiring conduits W or other members to be passed therethrough.

The space between adjacent panel units may becovered by a metal cap 6 formed with flanges I24 having inturned edge portions I27 adapted to abut the shoulder portions 44 and to engage the leg portions IZI of the clip members I I9. The caps 6, preferably are so formed that their principal outer faces are flush with the faces of the panel sheets of adjacent panels and may have offset portions I26 for the purpose of providing decorative grooves.

Referring now to Fig. 4, a cornice structure may be provided at the upper ends of the panel units, and may have a pair of structural members, such a as channels lSlJ, arranged back to back. Each channel E33 has a flange l3! adapted to rest upon the tops of the panel units, and a clip portion I 32 bent over and adapted to lie against the faces of the panel units. The channel I39 also has a flange I34 having a doubly bent edge portion I35 providing shoulders I 36 and H57. A cornice cover I38 is formed with an upper flange I39 having its edge Itll bent over and adapted to engage the shoulder I36 and a lower flange I4! having its edge I42 bent over to lie against the face of the panel unit and resiliently engage the clip portion B2. The cornice covers I33 are removable for the purpose of permitting access to the space within the cornice channels l3ll to permit laying in of electric conduits W, or other service lines without fishing or threading through the partition structure. The cornice channel I39 may be connected to the panel units by a suitable detachable connection. not shown.

The superstructure or top filler 9 may rest upon and be secured to the flanges I34 of the cornice channels I 30. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown a top filler comprising wall members I49 connected to horizontal structural members I49.

Where a partition is run from a. wall or other vertical surface, where a corner, angle condition, or three-way condition is desired, as where a glazed panel or transom is to be provided, the necessary structure may be provided and may be constructed as shown and described more in detail in my copending application referred to hereinafter.

Where a door is to be provided, the frame I8 may have vertical channel portions 200, each formed with a web I having a shoulder 202 constituting a vertical door check and flanges 203 constituting wall-forming surfaces. Flanges 203 are provided with inturned edges 204 having shoulder portions 205 and 200, whereby the channel portion 200 may be secured to an adjacent panel unit by clip members H5 and II 9 in the same manner as that described for the connection of two adjacent panel units. The door may be hinged to the frame l8 as shown and described in my copending application hereinafter identifled.

The construction at the floor connection for the door frame at a corner is illustrated in Fig, 7. Extending from the base channel 90 is a plate 350 on which rests a pressure pad 30I, which may be secured by a screw 302 and may carry a stud 303 on which is threaded a leveling Wheel 304. A clip angle 3I0 has one flange secured to the door frame channel 200, as by welding and a flange 3H extending therefrom and formed with a slot 3I2 to receive the stud 303. A channel-like clamp 3 I 3 having openings (not shown) for receiving the stud 303, is pressed down against the flange 3II by a nut 3I4 threaded on the stud 303. The flange 3H is formed with hooks 3I5 which retain the clamp 3i3. This construction serves to support the door frame member 200 at the desired level and position and also prevents twisting thereof.

The base clip I00 may be provided with a slot HI for the purpose of receiving a screw H2 for attaching the clip I00 to a plaster partition II3 (Fig. 6) or other structure. Thus, the base cover I08 may be attached to a wall or partition of any suitable construction. This feature is advantageous, since the base cover may be extended continuously along a combined partition consisting of one or more sections of different construction, such as, a metallic partition and a plaster partition.

The partition may be assembled as follows:

The panel units are each constructed by forming a core consisting of the struts 45 and filler sheets 39, whereafter the frame members 3|, 35 and 40 are disposed in their proper positions and finally the panel sheets II (or I4) are applied and welded to the frame members while held flat by suitable application of pressure.

The base channel 90 is secured to the floor, and the pressure pads 92 disposed thereon and the leveling wheels are all brought to the same level. Thereafter, the legs 94 of the first panel unit are mounted on the leveling wheels 95 and panel unit thus supported at the desired level.

The next panel unit is then mounted in a similar manner and is connected to the first panel unit by clips H5 and H9. The clip H5 is applied by inclining it at an angle and engaging one of the hooked portions H "I with one pair of flanges 42 of the first panel, whereafter the clip H5 is tilted down to horizontal position with the other hooked .portion II'I engaging the opposite pair of flanges 42. The second clip I I9 is then applied by engaging one of the hooked portions I2I with the flanges 42 of adjacent panel units and is rocked into engagement with all four flanges 4'2 and is pressed down into face to face contact with the first clip II5.

Wherever the partition is to be run from a wall, as will generally be the case, and where a corner condition occurs, these portions will be assembled in a manner which will be apparent from the drawings and accompanying description.

Service lines, indicated by dotted lines W, may be inserted in the posts, cornice channels and/or base, as indicated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The lines in the base may be inserted either through the legs 94 or between the legs 94 and the clips I00. Preferably, the service lines are merely laid in between the clips I00 and the legs 94 so that no threading is required.

After the panel units have been mounted and leveled, the post caps 5 are applied by snapping the flanges 825 over the projections I20 of the clips H9 so that the inner faces of the flanges I seat against the outer faces of the offset portions 44 of the panel seats, thus closing the space between adjacent panel units. The base clip I 00 is applied by hooking the portion IOI over the flange SI of the base channel 90 and passing the clip portions I05 of the panel sheets through the opening I04, Whereafter the clip is dropped into position. The base cover I08 can then be assembled by inserting the flanges I09 and II 0 in the clip portions I0"! and I03 of the base clip. The cornice cover is applied by hooking the flange I40 over the shoulder I36 of the cornice channel I30, and then snapping the lower flange I42 over the clip portion 32 of the channel I30.

Various modifications may be made in the structure and particularly the base and supporting structure for the panel units. Referring now to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, there is shown another form of base and supporting structure for the panel units which is particularly adapted for the convenient reception of service lines.

The partition structure includes a plurality of panels, each of which may be formed in a manner generally similar to that described in connection with the partition shown in Figs. 1 to 7. Each panel unit may include a pair of spaced panel sheets 2I0 which may be connected, in a manner similar to that above described, by struts, of which only the bottom strut 2 I 5 is shown in Figs. 8 to 10. Insulating sheets 2 I I may be provided in a manner which will be apparent from the foregoing.

Each bottom strut 2I5 is formed with flanges 2I6, shoulder portions 2|? and flange extensions 2 I8, which latter portions may be secured to the lower margins of the respective panel sheets 2 I0, as by welding. The insulating sheets 2I0 are fitted in the seats provided by the panel sheets 2H] and the flanges 2I6 and seat against the shoulder portions 2H. It will be seen that each panel unit, in this form of the invention, constitutes a unitary structure in a manner similar to that previously described.

Each panel unit is supported on a plurality of feet 250, one of which is shown. Each foot 250 is secured to the bottom edge of the unit, one adjacent each end edge. Each foot includes a Web 25! having a slot 252 therein and upright flanges 253 formed with offset portions 255, and 7 upstanding and offset flange extensions 251. The flange extensions 25'! may be of substantially less width than the flanges 253 and are seated against.

the flanges 2 I 8 of the lower struts 2 I5 and secured thereto as by welding. If desired, the flange extensions 25'! may bear against the shoulder portions 2l6 of the lower strut 2l5. Thus the foot 258 is rigidly secured to the panel unit and is adapted to support the same in upright position. I

A base channel 258, having flanges 259, is provided and a shoe 268 having supporting flanges 26I is secured therein in a suitable manner. A pair of leveling studs 262 are secured in and extend upwardly from the foot 268 and are adapted to enter the slots 252 of the feet 256 of adjacent panel units. A leveling wheel 263 is threaded on each leveling stud 262 and is adapted to support the panel unit. One or more base clips are provided for cooperation with the base channel 258 and the panel unit for securing the base cover in position and for supporting a service line trough or receptacle as hereinafter described.

Each base clip 265 is formed with a web 266 having a base flange. 281 formed with an upturned lip 268 at its free end. An offset portion 210 is connected to the Web 266 by shoulder 269 and the offset portion 218 is formed with a slot 2' having an, enlarged portion 272. The en larged portion 272 is adapted to receive clip fingers 2T3 extending from the flange of the lower strut 2l5 which fingers 213 engage the edges of the slot 21! to assist in securing the clip in position. A clip finger 2'! is bent out from. the web 266 and is adapted to engage over the flange 259 of the base channel 258 to assist in securing the clip 265 in position.

Thebase clip 265 is formed with an offset clip portion 215 and a base cover 216 is formed with a flange 218 adapted to engage the clip portion 275. The base cover also has a flange 21'! adapted to engage over the flange 268 of the clip 265 for securing the base cover in position along the base of the partition.

From an inspection of Fig. 9 of the drawings, it will be noted that the foot 258 has its flanges 253 relatively closer together than the distance between the panel sheets 2!!) thereby providing a substantial space between the flanges 253 and the base cover 216. The base clip 265 is adapted to have its web 266 lie in approximately the same plane as the flange 253 and thereby to provide considerable space between the web 266 and the base cover 216. This space may be utilized for running service lines such as gas, water and electric lines. If desired, a trough or receptacle 286 may be disposed in this space for receiving and protecting the service lines. Inasmuch as the electrical service lines are customarily insulated electrically, the trough 288 may be formed of metal, but in certain cases, if additional electrical insulation is desired, the trough 288 may be formed of insulating material or may have an insulating lining.

The trough 288 is preferably formed to fit against the web 266 of the base clip 265. The trough 288 has a flange 28! adapted to lie against the flange 261 and a lip 282 corresponding to the lip 268. The trough 286 has an outturned flange 283 extending along the shoulder 268. Preferably, the trough 286 is formed so that it can be sprung into position in the base clip 265, but in certain cases the base clip may be bent around the trough to fit snugly against the latter. The trough may have one or more shelves 284 forming channels, each having one flange 285 secured to the inner face of the upper wall of the trough 280 and the other flange 286 serving to retain the service lines and conduits in the channel 284.

Additional insulating of the partition may be provided by inserting an elongated insulating slab 290 in the space between the base clips 265 which engage opposite flanges of the base channel 258. The slab 298 may be secured in upright position but preferably it rests against opposite clips in the manner shown in Fig. 9.

A post cap 296 formed generally similar to the post cap 6 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 and cooperating with adjacent panel units in a' similar manner, may be provided for closing the space between adjacent panel units.

The partition also may serve as a conduit for conducting conditioned air which has been suitably cooled or heated and humidified or dried. This air may be conducted through the space between the base covers, the space between the adjacent end members and the space between the cornice covers. Suitable outlets and inlets for circulating the air through the room may be provided.

It will be understood that the partitions can be made in accordance with the invention in varying widths or thicknesses. Where the partition is to be employed to constitute or house air conditioning conduits, it will be of suflicient size to provide the necessary air conducting capacity.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides a partition structure which can be easily and economically formed from a minimum number of stock parts. The parts are of such design that substantially all of them can be formed readily from sheet or plate material by simple punching, drawing, bending and other relatively inexpensive operations. The construction provided by the present invention is adaptable for meeting substantially all ordinary conditions, such as corners, inter sections, doors, odd lengths and the like, without necessitating the use of parts of special size or shape.

The partition structure is one which can be quickly and easily erected in the field without the aid of special tools or apparatus. Inasmuch as the panels, base construction, panel connections, cornice connections and other important parts are detachable, the partition may be disassembled, adjusted or altered without necessitating demolishing the partition or destroying or injuring any of the parts or adjacent portions of the building in which the partition is installed.

Win'le certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

This application is in part a continuation of my copending application, Serial No. 77,268, filed April 30, 1936.

What is claimed is:

l. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each including a wall-forming portion and supporting means depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor member extending along said partition, a base clip extending between and engaging with said floor member and one of said panel units and formed with a recessed pocket,

a base cover extending along said panel unit and 75 having detachable engagement at its upper and lower portions with said clip, and a receptacle for service lines disposed in the pocket in said base clip.

2. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each including a wall-forming portion and supporting means depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor channel extending along said partition and having a web and an upstanding flange, a base clip having detachable hooking engagement with said flange and one of said panel units, a base cover extending along said panel unit and having detachable engagement at its upper and lower portions with said clip, and a receptacle for service lines disposed between said clip and said base cover.

3. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each including a wall-forming portion and a supporting foot depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor member extending along said partition, a base clip engaging said floor member and one of said panel units, a base cover extending along said panel unit and having hooking engagement at its upper and lower portions with said clip, and a receptacle for service lines disposed be tween. said clip and said base cover, said foot and said base clip being oiiset inwardly, whereby said receptacle lies substantially Within the planes of the partition faces.

4, A partition structure comprising .a plurality of panel units, each comprising a wallforming portion and a supporting member depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor channel extending along said partition and having a web for attachment to a supporting base or floor and an upstanding flange, a base clip having a body extending between said floor channel and one of said panel units, a shoulder, a. clip portion engaging said upstanding flange, and a, flange adjacent said floor channel, a base cover extending along said panel unit and engaging at its upper and lower portions said clip, and a receptacle for service lines disposed between said clip and said base cover and lying against said shoulder and said flange of said base clip.

5. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each comprising a Wall-forming portion and supporting means depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor member extending along said partition, a base clip engaging said floor member and one of said panel units, and having an ofiset portion, a receptacle for service lines disposed in and positioned by said ofiset portion, and a base cover extending along the lower portion of said partition and hiding said receptacle.

6. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each comprising a wall-forming portion and a supporting member depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor member extending along said partition, a base clip engaging said floor member and one of said panel units, and having a shoulder and flange forming a recess, a generally channel shaped receptacle for service lines disposed in said recess and having its flanges seated against said shoulder and flange respectively, and a base cover extending along the lower portion of said partition and covering said receptacle.

7. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each comprising a wall-forming portion and a supporting foot depending therefrom, means connecting said panel units to form a partition, a floor channel extending along said partition, a base clip having engagement with and positioned by said floor channel and at least one of said panel units, and a base cover extending along said panel unit and having engagement at its upper and lower portions with said clip, said foot and said base clip being offset to provide space for service lines between said clip and said cover.

8. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, a floor member extending along said panel units, means mounting said panel units for vertical adjustment relative to said floor member, a base member engaging and extending between said floor member and a panel unit and having a sliding connection with at least said panel unit, a service line receptacle positioned by said base member, and a base cover extending along the base of said partition and hiding said receptacle.

GEORGE M. MILLS. 

